5 Players CSK should target in Mega Auction

The team which Stephen Fleming & co. assembled in 2018 looked like it almost ran out of gas two seasons later only to manage an unexpected final push in the 14th edition of the tournament to end the four-year cycle on a high.

With the anticipated mega auction finally happening prior to the 2022 season, CSK ended up using all of the four available retention slots.
16 CR on Ravindra Jadeja
12 CR on MS Dhoni
8 CR on Moeen Ali
6 CR on Ruturaj Gaikwad

Fully capitalizing on the retention took a chunk from CSK’s purse, leaving them with 48 CR. The second least along with KKR and MI.

On their quest to form a vibrant core for the ongoing decade, with the limited purse they have, it would be interesting to see which players the four-time IPL champions will have an eye for in the forthcoming mega auction.

5 Players CSK should target in the 2022 IPL Mega Auction:

5. Odean SmithRomario Shepherd

One thing that’s omnipresent throughout seasons in a CSK playing XI is an overseas pacer who could also score quick runs with the bat at the end. From Albie Morkel, Dwayne Bravo to Sam Curran in the last couple years, the team has always thrived with a fixed spot for a player with such skill set.
With Sam Curran not being available in this mega auction CSK could try and get their hands on one of Romario Shepherd or Odean Smith. The quality of cricket in T10 or CPL aren’t on the same level as IPL but sometimes you need to take a gamble and invest early in a potential match winner for the future. Jason Holder could also be a decent pick for the role if signed at the right price, helping with the flexibility and the team combination. But don’t be surprised if you see Dwayne Bravo for another year in yellow.

4. Faf du Plessis

Ever since that knock against SRH in the Qualifiers 1 of the 2018 IPL, the one name that has been a constant in CSK’s top order is Faf du Plessis.
Faf has been CSK’s most consistent batsman in the last three seasons. He’s 37 but he’s fitter than most youngsters going around. The fact that he’s in his late 30’s might work in CSK’s favor to get him back for a bargain and could use that money elsewhere to strengthen their arsenal.
Moreover, Faf and Ruturaj complement each other very well and CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan has stated that the team would try to get him back to his side, so it seems like CSK won’t be looking to change that for at least a couple more seasons.

3. Deepak ChaharShardul Thakur

A solid four overs bowler who can also come in handy with the bat is what every T20 team is looking for these days. An Indian with such skill set is an even rare commodity.
Chahar has been vital for CSK’s success over the course of four years with his early breakthroughs. His records at UAE might not have been up to par but he has been effective in Indian conditions. Now that there are talks on how the whole IPL might take place around Mumbai, CSK might look to get him back.
What Chahar has been doing in the powerplay, Shardul does it in the middle overs. CSK’s highest wicket taker in both of their last two championship seasons. His economy might be a little inconsistent but Shardul Thakur gets those big wickets for CSK like magic.
Getting both Chahar and Thakur sounds a little too impossible for CSK as both of them will be released together in 5th set, but buying even one of them could help the team with building a proper Indian core for the future and strengthen their tail.

2. Shahrukh Khan

A 26 years old proper finisher and also a local talent. Built like an Indian Pollard, has the potential to take over the role MS Dhoni has been doing for CSK since the inception.
Shahrukh Khan has been doing it consistently for his state team in all the domestic tournaments, singlehandedly finishing matches and winning games out of nowhere for Tamil Nadu, shown some glimpses of what he can do in the bigger stage while playing for Punjab Kings.
He will be released in the 8th set in the auction, a long while after a bunch of marquee players and other players who could go for higher bids, so CSK could have a chance in bidding for Shahrukh Khan. He should be one of top priority for Chennai in the upcoming mega auction.

1. Kagiso Rabada

If there’s one player the defending champions should break the bank on, it should be Kagiso Rabada. CSK might be the only team that hasn’t invested heavily on a big-name pace option over the years. But they could change it this year by winning the bid for the South African spearhead.
Rabada had an ordinary outing with Delhi Capitals last season but he has been instrumental for their success in 2020, leading the pace attack, picking up 30 wickets in 17 innings.
Lockie Ferguson will also provide immense value for Chennai if they couldn’t get their hands on Rabada, as he will be released in the marquee set. Chennai should also look to get back Josh Hazlewood as he provides value for money. With his proper line and length bowling Josh has helped hugely in the second half of the 2021 season to revive a struggling bowling set up. He will be a great value addition to the team if they couldn’t bid higher for the other two options.